We visited with Bill Oliver of Oliver Wines Last Night

If you've lived in Indiana and never heard of Oliver Wines, well then you must not drink. For you abstainers (why are you on this blog?) you can ignore the rest of this. Now turning to those of you who are left.

The Oliver story is by now pretty well known. Many years ago Bill Oliver's father, Bill senior, started a little winery outside of Bloomington. Bill was a pioneer in the Indiana wine scene and utilizing his skills as a law professor at IU changed for the better Indiana wine laws.

The younger Oliver took over from this father many years ago and has built Oliver wines into the largest winery in the state. Oliver now produces the number one brand sold in Indiana.

Most Oliver wines are on the sweeter and lighter side. However, last night we tried many different wines from the Creekbend line. The Creekbend wines are all made from locally grown grapes from the Creekbend Vineyard property.

These wines were fantastic. We tried the Chardonel (a chardonnay hybrid), the Catawba, the Pinot Grigio, Chambourcin Rose, the Cabernet Sauvignon, the ice wine, and the Chambourcin dessert port. Every single one was fantastic.

The Cab, Chardonel, and rose were dry, full bodied and full of flavor. The Catawba was not your grandmother's catawba, but was elegant, crisp, and ripe. I would stack the Chambourcin dessert wine right up with any good Port. Their ice wine was quite simply the best ice wine I've had in years.

The Creekbend line is available in some resturants and of course at the winery. Make sure you pick up a couple of bottles. Remember the Creekbend name, these wines are going to broaden the ways people think of Indiana wines.

Of course don't forget your Indiana Vodka. For a twist, try one part Indiana Vodka, one part Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, one part pureed Indiana peaches. Shake with ice, strain, and garnish with a thin slice of peach and a sprig of mint.

Cheers!